Alexander Chang

Virginia’s state government spends more than $6 million a year on the more than 11,000 cellphones it provides to public employees. But a chunk of that money may be wasted: During a recent six-month period, the state spent almost $1 million on 4,500 unused cellphones – phones that recorded zero minutes.

Nantasha Williams spent the legislative session get lawmakers’ signatures on bills, helping constituents and researching information on complex issues. But Williams isn’t a legislator. She is a college student taking part in the Virginia Capital Semester program.

For Clint Eastwood fans in Virginia, it was a thrill to hear that his latest film, “J. Edgar,” is set in parts of Fauquier and Fairfax counties. But for those communities, there’s a tangible benefit to playing such a supporting role: They’ll enjoy a financial boost from tourism and other economic spinoffs.

Under a new state law, Virginians will be permitted to bring their own wine into a restaurant – if the dining establishment allows. Senate Bill 1292, which takes effect July 1, will allow any ABC-licensed restaurant to permit customers to bring a bottle of wine into the establishment and drink it on the premises.